MS Connection June 2011 Newsletter

800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org 1

Inside MS Connection:

ConnectionNationalMultiple SclerosisSocietyColorado-Wyoming Chapter

Moving Toward a World Free of MS JUNE 2011

Programspage 3

Researchpage 4

Mud Run MS!page 8

Volunteerpage 10

It’s time to gear up as Bike MS 2011 hits the road!Special Bike MS section beginson page 6

2 MS Connection • June 2011

Dear Friends,

Each day, we are a different person than we were the day before, changed by what we have learned and experienced. For those of us on the quest to create a world free of MS, each day we have the opportunity to accept the challenge to use our skills and talents to enhance awareness, engage our communities and marshal resources to reach our goal.

As president of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, NMSS, I continually find opportunities to personally share the story of MS and to educate people from all walks of life about this disease, its impact, and what is being achieved by those who have accepted the challenge to support our cause.

Worldwide, researchers and scientists have accepted the challenge by dedicating their careers to unravel the mysteries of MS. Thanks to their dedication and work, new therapies have emerged, with more on the horizon. As more of the MS puzzle is solved, we will be able to identify how to stop MS, restore function, and end MS forever.

Thousands of supporters throughout Colorado and Wyoming have accepted the challenge to raise money through direct gifts and by participating—walking, riding, hiking and even attempting a muddy obstacle course—to raise awareness and the ongoing funds needed to support vital programs that are helping those living with and affected by MS today and promising research that will bring a brighter future.

Volunteers accept the challenge by giving time and going that extra mile ensuring that needed human resources are available to provide safe, successful events and programs.

I encourage you to join in and accept the challenge each day—participate, volunteer, donate and share your story whenever an opportunity arises. Information leads to engagement, engagement leads to action, and action will continue to advance our vision of a world free of MS.

Carrie H. NolanChapter President

From the PresidentMS Connection is published by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society900 S. Broadway, Suite 250Denver, CO 80209Info: 800 FIGHT MS (344-4867)

Newsletter Distribution—If you have a change of address or would like to receive MS Connection electronically, please call 800-344-4867.

If you or someone you know has MS—Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health care professional, or contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about the current research that may one day reveal a cure.

The NMSS does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The NMSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the NMSS is based on professional advice and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The NMSS is dedicated to a world free of MS.

Chapter PresidentCarrie H. Nolan

Board of TrusteesMary Hobson, ChairBrandt Wilkins, Chair ElectMichael King, Immediate Past ChairMichele Vaughan, SecretaryRob Hartnett, TreasurerWhit ConantElizabeth Brandon CoorsJohn Corboy, MDDavid CordovaGeorge Garmany, MDTodd HauerClaudia Curry HillJohn KivimakiCraig LopezKyle OcasekRichard Raymond, MDRandy Schapiro, MDKathryn SpritzerJim Stevens

Emeritus TrusteesRalph HoldenDavid LordJanet Savage

©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

NationalMultiple SclerosisSocietyColorado-Wyoming Chapter

_______________Each day we have the opportunity to

accept the challenge… to reach our goal.

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ProgramsMoving Toward a World Free of MS

3800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org

Adaptive Garden Seeds Opportunity and CommunityAs spring arrives in the Rockies, people start planning to spend more time outside and for our many plant enthusiasts, this is also the time to ready the garden. However, for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, getting on the ground to plant can be incredibly difficult. Luckily for those in Grand Junction, adaptive gardening is now an option, thanks to a community program conceived by Karen Galloway, Western Slope program manager.

“The idea for an adaptive garden originated as one of our community outreach programs,” said Galloway. “Our intent was to create an opportunity for people living with MS that would decrease isolation. In addition to gardening, there’s the added benefit of growing their own food. This seemed like an ideal way to include members of the community who have accessibility needs.

“The idea took root and the Chapter purchased two of 40 garden beds at the community garden sponsored by and located on the property of the Mesa County Main Library in Grand Junction,” Galloway continued. “We sought out partners for donations to create the raised beds and pave the areas. Home Depot, three local nurseries, the Handymen from RSVP, and Robinson Brick joined in. The Colorado State Cooperative Extension provides oversight and expertise for all the gardeners who have bought a bed at the community garden. Volunteers recently came together and, using donated supplies, constructed the adaptive garden, which

provides easy access to planting for people with accessible needs,” Galloway added.

For Laurie Reiser, Master Gardener and a client of the National MS Society, MS is not a reason to stop gardening and the raised beds will help. She believes that this program may bring out the gardener in many and re-ignite the excitement of gardening for those who thought gardening was no longer possible.

It is Galloway’s hope that as participants grow vegetables and herbs, and trade seeds and gardening wisdom, they will also grow a greater sense of community.

If you would like to take part in this garden call Karen Galloway at 970-241-8975. If you are interested in developing an accessible garden in your own community, please call your local National MS Society office.

MS Connection is published by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society900 S. Broadway, Suite 250Denver, CO 80209Info: 800 FIGHT MS (344-4867)

Newsletter Distribution—If you have a change of address or would like to receive MS Connection electronically, please call 800-344-4867.

If you or someone you know has MS—Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health care professional, or contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about the current research that may one day reveal a cure.

The NMSS does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The NMSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the NMSS is based on professional advice and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The NMSS is dedicated to a world free of MS.

Chapter PresidentCarrie H. Nolan

Board of TrusteesMary Hobson, ChairBrandt Wilkins, Chair ElectMichael King, Immediate Past ChairMichele Vaughan, SecretaryRob Hartnett, TreasurerWhit ConantElizabeth Brandon CoorsJohn Corboy, MDDavid CordovaGeorge Garmany, MDTodd HauerClaudia Curry HillJohn KivimakiCraig LopezKyle OcasekRichard Raymond, MDRandy Schapiro, MDKathryn SpritzerJim Stevens

Emeritus TrusteesRalph HoldenDavid LordJanet Savage

©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

Join us from the comfort of your own home for our Summer Teleconference Series. Get information about managing symptoms and issues related to MS. This series is for those with MS, caregivers, or anyone who wants to learn the different aspects of Living Well.

ThursdaysJuly 14 & 28/Aug. 11 & 25Sessions run 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.For more information visit www.cureMSco-wy.org and click on “Calendar”

For information on additional upcoming programs and online interactive classes covering topics such as financial planning and career decisions, visit www.nationalmssociety.org and click on “Living with MS.”

LIVE WELL!

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MS client and Master Gardener Laurie Reiser enjoys a morning of gardening thanks to the adaptive garden spearheaded by the Chapter.

Programs/Services


Research

Like the conductive wire exposed when the rubber insulation on an electrical cord is damaged, the exposed nerves and brain cells that result from demyelination caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) will eventually break and fail to conduct messages.

It is encouraging to see the number of new drugs becoming available (three just last year) that can help treat symptoms caused by MS and/or can help reduce the number of relapses. Many of these drugs are now

available because of the Society’s efforts to raise research dollars and put them to good use.

At this time, however, we have no approved therapies to actually repair the damage that has been caused by an MS attack. We can only treat symptoms, not restore function. We need to be able to heal the nerves and brain cells, and to put their protective myelin coating back in place.

We are getting much closer to that goal as a result of a $15 million grant that the Society awarded to four research teams in the U.S. and Europe to do targeted research on nervous system repair and to bring testing to clinical trials. The project is named the Nervous System Repair and Protection Initiative. This funding has allowed the four lead researchers to attract more “heads and hands” to address the issues and the findings to date are both remarkable and encouraging. To read about these teams and their exciting areas of research, go to www.nationalmssociety.org/research/ and click on “Research We Fund.” The page also links to a recorded discussion of the four lead researchers.

Other exciting news in this arena includes the identification of a molecule that appears to stimulate the repair of myelin in rodents. This research was also co-funded by the National MS Society and needs further study to see if this can translate into repair of the central nervous system in humans. Visit www.nationalmssociety.org/news/ for more details.

Just this month, the Society launched 50 new MS research projects, with cumulative multiyear commitments of $17.5 million. These new projects are part of our comprehensive research program aimed at stopping MS, restoring function, and ending MS forever. The scope of this current launch is made possible by generous support of donors. When the National MS Society makes research commitments that span into future years, the money is not yet in hand to meet those needs. Your contributions are essential to ensure that this important research proceeds in future years. The challenge I give to all the readers is to be certain that these research teams continue to receive the funding support they need to complete their efforts. If you can, please help the Society fund promising research. It’s up to us.

Repairing the Damage Caused by Multiple SclerosisBy Richard Raymond, MD , Volunteer Research Advocate and father of a child living with MS

Colorado Walk MS 2011

Still Time to Up Your FundraisingOur Chapter held 15 Walk MS events across Colorado and Wyoming between March and May, welcoming more than 14,000 participants!

Hope and enthusiasm were in the air on May 7 when a record 8,000 people convened in Denver City Park to participate in the Wells Fargo Walk MS Denver Presented by MS Lifelines. Colorful tents and fun costumes dotted the festive scene as teams and individuals walked with ongoing commitment to celebrate, raise awareness of MS and support progress for a cure.

Thanks to strong and generous community support, the Chapter is well on its way to achieving its 2011 Walk MS goal of raising nearly $1.57 million to support programs and vital research. Don’t forget that there is still time to maintain your Walk MS fundraising momentum! You have until September 30 to submit your funds, so use the following tips to continue to grow your support:

■ Share your Walk MS experience with friends. ■ Let people know your goal and what support you still need to attain it. ■ Don’t be shy about asking for support! People are busy and many

appreciate being reminded of how they can help.

Programs


Moving Toward a World Free of MS Of Note

Esteemed MS Physician Joins Board Randall (Randy) T. Schapiro, MD has been named to the Chapter’s board of trustees. Dr. Schapiro dedicated his medical career to serving people living

with MS. In 1977 he founded the first private practice comprehensive MS center, The Fairview MS Center (now The Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology), and helped establish Can Do MS (formerly the Jimmie Heuga Center) in Edwards, Colo.

Dr. Schapiro has maintained a strong association with the National MS Society (NMSS) where he served five years on the National Board as well as 34 years on the Minnesota

Chapter board. He was elected to the National MS Society’s Hall of Fame and has served on numerous advisory committees including the Medical Advisory Board. He also serves on the International MS Society’s Medical Advisory Board. He retired from private practice in 2009, moved to Colorado, and now devotes more time to teaching and consulting on topics related to MS.

Financial Assistance Program Grant

The Daniels Fund awarded the Chapter a $22,000 grant to assist with the purchase of durable medical equipment and mobility aids such as wheel chairs and walking devices to improve safety and increase

independence for individuals living with MS in Colorado and Wyoming.

Chapter Highlighted as KOOL 105 Radio’s Cause of the MonthIn May the Colorado- Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society, was featured as KOOL 105 FM’s Cause of the Month. Chapter information was profiled on KOOL’s website and a 30 minute radio interview with Chapter President Carrie Nolan aired on KOOL, The Mix and 92.5 The Wolf. To listen to the interview online, visit www.kool105.com and click on “Media,” then click on “Colorado Conversation.”

Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride 2011, presented by Newmont Mining Corporation

June 25 – 26, 2011For details on all aspects of the two-day ride, visit www.bikeMScolorado.org.

Download an informative Bike MS Rider’s Handbook by clicking on ‘Rider Handbook.’


Virtually Anyone Can ParticipateDid you want to participate in Bike MS, but found you had more aspiration than time? Or you didn’t quite get in shape to take on a distance ride? There’s no need to be left out! You can still be a part of Bike MS festivities, earn prizes and add to your team totals by becoming a Virtual Participant! The option is ideal for family members, team volunteers, and children under 12.

For a $20 registration fee, Virtual Participants receive an event t-shirt and one meal (dinner and Beer Garden in Fort Collins or finish line BBQ in Westminster) during Bike MS weekend. While there is no fundraising requirement for Virtual Participants, the Chapter encourages the collection of at least $200 to help us move closer to a world free of MS.

Register online until June 17. Weekend walk-up registration will be available onsite. For more information on Virtual Participation and the Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride 2011, presented by Newmont Mining Corporation, please visit www.bikeMScolorado.org.

A Time for Friends, Family & VolunteersThe support of friends, family and volunteers is an important part of making every Bike MS Ride successful. Coming together to join the festivities to celebrate and cheer on participants and their accomplishments adds to the fun. We encourage you to be part of this experience! Cheer riders as they depart or complete the Ride—the noisemakers, laughter and applause are rewarding sounds to our riders.

If you have more time there are also many volunteer opportunities in addition to our call for route marshals. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.bikeMScolorado.org and click on “Volunteer” or call 303-698-7470 option #4.

Get Pedaling! One-Day Bike MS RideIf you enjoy cycling but don’t have the time or endurance to participate in the two-day, 150-mile ride, the One-Day Bike MS Ride may be for you!

The One-Day Bike MS Ride provides a tour of the Fort Collins area and Colorado foothills, beginning and ending at Colorado State University. Cyclists can choose 25- or 40-mile routes, which are great options for many riders. Online registration closes June 17. Walk-up registration will be available onsite.

Saturday, June 25Check-in and Registration: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. at CSU, just east of the intersection of University and Meridian Avenues Ride Start: 9:30 a.m.Registration Fee: $35 and $400 minimum fundraising The registration fee includes a custom Bike MS T-shirt, a fully-supported ride with two catered meals (breakfast and dinner), fully stocked Rest Stops, SAG vehicles, medical and police support, volunteer assistance, bike mechanic services, entertainment, access to our famous Left Hand Brewing Beer Garden, and much more!

For more information, including route maps, please visit www.bikeMScolorado.org and click on “Colorado Ride Information,” then “One-Day Ride.”

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SPECIAL THANKS to Great-West Life for being our Bike MS title sponsor for 10 years. The Chapter is honored to have Great-West Life’s ongoing support, which is greatly appreciated! We are also pleased to welcome and recognize our new Bike MS presenting sponsor, Newmont Mining Corporation, and we encourage participants to thank these and all of our sponsors for their commitment to advancing our vision of a world free of MS.

Thanks to Our Colorado Bike MS Sponsors!

Route Marshals NeededBike MS depends on the support of more than 750 volunteers. We are seeking volunteers to serve as Bike MS route marshals. These top priority positions are needed Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 to help cover the 150-mile route. Shifts are four to eight hours ranging from early morning to late afternoon.

Route marshals provide safety, motivation and keep our Bike MS riders moving in the right direction. Once positioned, marshals guide riders at turns and traffic signals as well as cheer them on along the way.

SPECIaL BIKE MS 2011 ISSUE

aCt NoWLearn more about volunteering or register at www.bikeMScolorado.org. Click on “Volunteer,” or call 303-698-7470, option 4.

We look forward to seeing YOU on the route.!

Wyoming’s Bike MS Close Encounters Ride 2011August 20–21, 2011

The Bike MS Close Encounters Ride 2011 begins and ends in Sundance, Wyoming—home of the Sundance Kid—and features a figure-eight route that winds through the beautiful countryside of Northern Wyoming.

Day One includes breathtaking views of Devil’s Tower, our country’s first national monument and the location where “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” was filmed. A hearty dinner, entertainment and an inspiring awards celebration caps the day. Day Two features a tour of the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota with a lunch stop in beautiful Spearfish.

The Ride is supported with a clearly marked route, fully-stocked Rest Stops every 10-13 miles, incredible meals, bike mechanics, medical staff, police support, SAG wagons, massage therapists, a custom Ride T-shirt, finish medals, great volunteers and much more!

Registration is open! The registration fee is $35 for individuals and $25 for team riders and a donation minimum of $250. Visit www.bikeMSwyoming.org and select “Wyoming Ride Information” for additional details.

Let’s Get Dirty for MSSaturday, August 27Winter ParkMud Run MS is a 10K course with a series of boot camp-style obstacles, most of which contain water and mud! The Mud Run is a unique experience whether running or watching. Register as an individual or form a team today.

Registration fee schedule:

$50 - Until July 27

$60 - July 28 – August 24

$75 - Day of Packet Pick up (no race day registration)

Minimum Fundraising: $100 per person

2nd Annual Hike MSSaturday, July 30

■ Hike MS Copper Mountain ■ Hike MS Aspen Snowmass

Saturday, September 17 ■ Hike MS Winter Park ■ Hike MS Royal Gorge ■ Hike MS Durango

Hike MS takes MS awareness and fundraising to new heights! Enjoy beautiful scenery while making great strides towards a cure for MS. Routes are designed for all skill levels—enjoy a leisurely two-mile hike on our Green Route or challenge yourself on our five-mile Blue Route or 10-mile Black Route.To register, visit www.hikeMScolorado.org or call 303-698-7470

To register, please visit www.mudrunMScolorado.org or email [email protected]


Mud Run MS

Hike MS

aCt NoWCalling Mud Squad VolunteersMud Run MS volunteers are needed to assist with activities such as building and monitoring the obstacle course, participant check-in, food and water distribution, and monitoring timing chips. For more information, visit www.mudrunMScolorado.org or contact Jennifer Bell at [email protected].!

Make it a weekend getaway—join us for MS on the Move on Friday, July 29 at the Little Nell Hotel in

Aspen. For more info, contact [email protected] or

call 970-263-4393

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

MS Day of Service is a meaningful volunteer activity spearheaded by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, Wyoming office. On this day each year, teams of volunteers complete projects for people in the Cheyenne community who are living with multiple sclerosis. Projects range from painting, moving furniture, heavy cleaning, organizing closets, small household repairs, transporting donated items to thrift stores and doing yard work to friendly visits in homes, assisted living facilities or nursing homes.

“We incorporated our first MS Day of Service into our MS Awareness Week events in 2009 and it has grown since then,” said Samantha Gardner, senior development manager, Wyoming office. “The first year we had 16 volunteers. This year our service day was held on March 19 and 29 volunteers came together to make an impact. The spirit of the day was inspiring.

“The Day of Service truly brings the community together, promotes volunteerism, creates awareness and, most importantly, immediately helps those in need. We are

making a real and positive difference in the lives of people with MS,” Samantha emphasized.

For information on the Wyoming Day of Service or to learn about volunteer opportunities available, call 307-433-8119.

What a Difference a Day Makes

Wyoming Office Hosts MS Day of Service

Programs

9800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org

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Volunteer

Early in the morning on May 7, a group of seven students from Arrupe Jesuit High School gathered with their Service Coordinator, Beth Brin, at Denver City Park. Their goal? To volunteer their time to cheer on the more than 8,000 Walk MS Denver participants as they walked to beat MS. This is the fourth year students from Arrupe Jesuit have volunteered time to be part of the Cheer Squad, an activity that is tied to the faith and service-oriented culture of their school.

“Arrupe Jesuit High School is a Catholic, Jesuit, college-preparatory school serving low-income students in northwest Denver. Each student works in a corporate, entry-level job one day a week, where they earn approximately three-fourths of their tuition. The work-study program makes a private education possible for our families, and provides the students with opportunities to gain real-world experience and the chance to learn about the futures that are possible for them,” said Brin. Exposure to the world outside the school walls or the students’ neighborhoods is also integral to the service program at Arrupe.

“A guiding principle of Jesuit education is to nurture the whole person, which includes educating young men and women who are not only intelligent and academically prepared, but who are loving, open to growth and committed to justice. One way to encourage this type of growth is to provide opportunities for our students to learn about issues affecting our local and global communities, and to foster interactions with our neighbors. Our students learn about the needs of others and share their talents and love of neighbor by participating in a variety of service opportunities like Walk MS, working in soup kitchens, or visiting residents at

assisted living centers. These activities are an essential part of our students’ high school experience,” Brin added.

This is the third year junior Diego Vargas has participated at Walk MS. “I don’t know anyone with MS, but I know what it is and how it affects people. When you cheer people on, you know you are part of supporting to help find a cure,” he said.

Junior Angela Esquibel has volunteered to be part of the Arrupe’s Walk MS Cheer Squad for two years and has a direct connection to this disease. “I have an aunt who was diagnosed with MS when I was little and didn’t understand it,” she said. “There are negatives and positives to her MS. It’s negative because she always has to be very careful. But it’s positive because we love her no matter what and don’t let MS stop us,” she emphasized.

Cheers are in order for these young individuals who are engaging in experiences that they will carry throughout their lives. Thank you Arrupe volunteers—you are making a difference!

Arrupe Students Learn Life Values as They Volunteer Time at Walk MS

Arrupe Walk MS Cheer Squad: Back Row: Laura Rodriguez, Brenda Ortiz, Afeyok Fien, Erik Diaz, Angela Esquibel, Diego Vargas. Front Row: Jocelyn Castillo, Luis Salas and Service Coordinator Beth Brin.

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___________________________Our students learn about the needs of

others… by participating in a variety of service opportunities like Walk MS… ___________________________

Colorado Multi-Event Sponsors Raise Awareness and Support for MSHere are some easy ways to support the Chapter as well as some of our generous Bike MS and Walk MS sponsors!

Inspired Eats will donate 15 percent of net proceeds from sales in their Colorado stores on Tuesday, June 14. Pick up dinner for the family, order catering for your staff or swing by for lunch or dinner. For more information on MAD Greens and a listing of locations check out www.madgreens.com

Visit your local Sam’s Club and look for the Bike MS Sara Lee displays, five cents of every 16-count hamburger and hot dog buns sold in Colorado and Wyoming Sam’s Club stores May 7 through June 25 will be donated to the Chapter.

Visit any Del Taco store in Denver and Colorado Springs June 8 through June 30 for a variety of in-store promotions that benefit the Chapter and Bike MS.

Programs


FundraisingMoving Toward a World Free of MS

The Toney Family Foundation had been actively involved in philanthropy for years when Bob and Jane Toney sat down with daughters Katy Spritzer and Annie Amata to discuss ways to be more purposeful in their giving.

“My family created the Toney Family Foundation with the vision to provide assistance and further the cause of nonprofits we find to be exceptional,” said Toney Family Foundation Vice President and Board Trustee for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter Katy Spritzer. “The National MS Society is one of these nonprofits.”

The Foundation strives to support organizations that are making a positive change to causes important to the Toney family, allowing the family to give back in a meaningful way. Through direct giving and active volunteerism, the Foundation hopes to extend the research and effectiveness of its nonprofit partners.

After making a significant contribution to the Chapter in 2010, the Toney family was looking for an innovative way to make both a larger gift to the Chapter in 2011 while creating awareness and encouraging additional financial support within the community. They found this opportunity in the Northern Colorado Dinner of Champions Matching Challenge Grant.

“My family made this challenge because they liked the idea of leveraging their giving. By challenging the dinner

attendees to donate $10,000 collectively, the Foundation was prepared and excited to match that collective gift with an additional $10,000—100 percent of which would go towards MS research,” explained Katy Spritzer. “It was important to us for the total funds raised to produce significant and lasting results.”

The community accepted the challenge presented by the Toney family and pledged to donate over $35,000. In less than 10 minutes, the Toney Family Foundation had managed to leverage their gift more than four-and-a-half times its initial amount.

“These types of leveraged gifts are crucial as we continue to fund and invest in MS research,” said Chapter President Carrie Nolan, “because our financial support is the fuel to change.”

The National MS Society is currently funding 325 research projects worldwide, to the tune of $39.5 million. Last year the Chapter was able to contribute more than $1 million to these research efforts and hopes to do so again in 2011.

Leveraging Your Gift

Photo courtesy Geoff Guimaraes

®

Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

Broadway Station900 S. Broadway, Ste. 250Denver, CO 80209

Aspen MS on the Move Luncheon Keynote speaker: Elizabeth Yarnell, Infusion CookingFriday, July 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., The Little NellFor more information contact [email protected] or call 970-263-4393

Northern Colorado Women on the Move LuncheonKeynote speaker: Anne McCullough, HopeologyThursday, September 22, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Hilton Fort CollinsFor more information contact [email protected] or call 970-482-5016

Denver MS on the Move LuncheonKeynote program: We Keep Moving CampaignTuesday, September 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Denver Marriott City CenterFor more information contact [email protected] or call 303-698-5405

Upcoming LuncheonsSave the Date!

Our annual luncheons are driven by passionate volunteers with the goal of raising funds for and developing awareness of MS.

The funds raised by these luncheons support programs and services that serve the 88,000 people living in Colorado and Wyoming who are affected by MS and contribute to worldwide research efforts that will one day lead to a world free of MS. Learn more at www.cureMSco-wy.org.

Make it a weekend getaway and join

us for Hike MS Aspen Snowmass on

Saturday, July 30!

www.hikeMScolorado.org or call 303-698-7470

Documents

MS Connection June 2011 Newsletter